One recent Tuesday evening she spread worn sheets on the floor of the Frankford Public Library's meeting room and wrangling a small group of children to help her set up. At 6 p.m. the kids settle into place as she explained the next steps in their projects focused on form - last time they glued objects to a small board, and now they will paint the whole thing white.

The technique strips the piece of all other color so the eye can focus on other elements, much like the work of sculptor Louise Nevelson.

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During the eight-week course for kids, Coyle will cover the seven elements of art, providing a foundation for students.

"They're the basics of all art, all art encompass at least one if not more," Coyle said. "We're not necessarily trying to end with a specific finished art project, but more give you an idea of how to be creative."

Despite how many times Coyle urges the kids to be careful with the permanent white acrylic paint, students end up rubbing clumps off their hands as the class progresses. The willingness to get messy is one reason why Coyle, a volunteer, loves working with children, she said.

Some of the students' form sculptures are carefully crafted into specific shapes, while others are abstract collections of screws or piles of small beads. In her class she stays positive about all end products, she said.

When an adult says they're bad at drawing, painting or other kinds of art, Coyle said the root of the issue can typically be traced back to the same thing — at some point in their childhood they did something creative and someone responded negatively.

"There is no right or wrong in art class," she said.

She sees her class as a way to supplement what kids learn in school about art.

"They all said they'd love to have more art than that," Coyle said. "Kids in general like to be really creative, and I want to encourage that."

The class is an example of the expanded programs the library has offered since tripling its size in 2013. Activity at the library has gone up significantly since the expansion, Coyle said.

The class came about when Coyle spoke with Library Director Rachel Wackett, realizing they had similar goals to bring more art into the library. Once the class on elements of art is complete, Coyle hopes to have a similar class on the elements of design after the New Year.